The onboard beer, wine and snacks battle has now moved south.
On 01SEP, Air Canada Vacations extended free wine, beer and snack service to sun routes in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, a perk Air Canada first launched on domestic and US routes in last summer.
Based on a visual promoting the refreshments, the offerings include Molson Canadian, Coors Light, Creemore Springs Premium Lager and Hop Valley beers, as well as Paul Mas wines. Snacks include Twigz Craft Pretzels.
As Porter prepares to launch winter sun service which will include onboard refreshments, Air Canada’s move underscores a growing rivalry between the two carriers.
Last June, Porter cheekily called out Air Canada in an Instagram post after the carrier introduced complimentary drinks on domestic flights. “Hello Air Canada, our beloved competitor. We’ve noticed you recently started offering free beer, wine & snacks everywhere we fly — just like Porter always has,” it reads. “Just making sure you know we’ll be flying to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America this winter. We wonder what you’ll do next.”
In response to Air Canada’s announcement the service will be offered on sun routes, Porter President Kevin Jackson tells Open Jaw in an email “Porter's disruptive approach to economy is causing other airlines to up their game to compete,” saying Air Canada’s move “a reaction to Porter’s success.”
“Porter’s success is benefiting all Canadian travellers,” he adds.
